NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Rice growers in Chum Phuang district are drying their valuable harvested grain at the local police station and district office to avoid theft after the price soared.
The Thai Rice Exporters Association reported the price for hom mali, or jasmin, rice has risen to 17,500-18,000 baht per tonne after drought and the government's measures to control supply reduced the quantity available on the market.
Farmers normally dry their harvested rice on roads and public fields. It usually takes several days, and with prices so high, the drying rice is an irresistible lure to thieves.
In response, the Chum Phuang police station and the Chum Phuang district office invited local farmers to dry their paddy there.
Station chief Pol Col Chinakorn Jaikla said they were providing a public service in two ways.
Farmers often did not have enough space to spread their grain out to dry in the sun during harvest time.
Grain spread out on roads could also cause traffic accidents and attracted thieves, Pol Col Chinakorn said.
By making use of the police station compound, on-duty officers could also guard the paddy around the clock.
Farmer Sap Kaokhoksung said he had harvested four tonnes of rice, but had nowhereto dry it at his house and was happy to dry it in the police compound.
He also did not have to stand guard over the grain around the clock. He could leave it at the well-guarded police station and go home to sleep at night, he said.
Chum Phuang district office is providing the same service, with defence volunteers taking turns watching over the valuable paddy.
